Comparison of neutron and secondary gamma dose assessment using polygon mesh and voxel computational phantoms.

The newly developed mesh-type reference computational phantoms (MRCPs) represent the evolution of the previous reference phantoms and a more detailed description of the human body, addressing the voxel reference phantom limitations. These allow for a more accurate dose calculation in the human body, which in some cases results in a significant difference of the calculated quantities. In this work, the absorbed dose calculation due to neutrons and gammas was calculated using a voxel and a mesh-type computational phantom. The goal was to understand how a more accurate description of the human body affects the estimated neutron dose. The phantoms were tested in a real-case scenario: they were placed in front of a neutron Howitzer container model using PHITS. This model corresponds to the neutron Howitzer container at the Neutron Measurements Laboratory of the Energy Engineering Department of the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM), and at the time of measurement it was equipped with a 241Am-Be neutron source of 74 GBq in its center. The container allows the source to be in either the irradiation or the storage position. Results show that when dealing with neutrons, the dose deviation when using GOLEM or the MRCP leads to a general 20%-30% deviation that goes up to above 400% in small thin structures such as the eye.

HLA-B*57 and IFNL4-related polymorphisms are associated with protection against HIV-1 disease progression in controllers.

Background: HIV-1-controllers maintain HIV-1 viremia at low levels (normally <2000 HIV-RNA copies/mL) without antiretroviral treatment. However, some HIV-1-controllers have evidence of immunologic progression with marked CD4+T-cell decline. We investigated host genetic factors associated with protection against CD4+T-cell loss in HIV-1-controllers. Methods: We analysed the association of interferon lambda 4 (IFNL4)-related polymorphisms and HLA-B haplotypes within Long Term Non-Progressor HIV-1-controllers ((LTNP-C), defined by maintaining CD4+T-cells counts >500 cells/mm3 for more than 7 years after HIV-1 diagnosis) versus non-LTNP-C, who developed CD4+T-cells counts <500 cells/mm3 Both a Spanish study cohort (n=140) and an international validation cohort (n=914) were examined. Additionally, in a subgroup of individuals HIV-1-specific T-cell responses and soluble cytokines were analysed RESULTS: HLA-B*57 was independently associated with the LTNP-C phenotype (OR=3.056 (1.029-9.069) p=0.044 and OR=1.924 (1.252-2.957) p=0.003) while IFNL4 genotypes represented independent factors for becoming non-LTNP-C (TT/TT, ss469415590, OR=0.401 (0.171-0.942) p=0.036 or A/A, rs12980275, OR=0.637 (0.434-0.934) p=0.021) in the Spanish and validation cohort, respectively, after adjusting for sex, age at HIV-1 diagnosis, IFNL4-related polymorphisms and different HLA-B haplotypes. LTNP-C showed lower plasma IP-10 (p=0.019) and higher IFN-γ (p=0.02) levels than the HIV-1-controllers with diminished CD4+T-cell numbers. Moreover, LTNP-C exhibited higher quantities of IL2+CD57- and IFN-γ+CD57- HIV-1-specific CD8+T-cells (p=0.002 and 0.041, respectively) than non-LTNP-C. Conclusions: We have defined genetic markers able to segregate stable HIV-1-controllers from those who experience CD4+T-cell decline. These findings allow for identification of HIV-1-controllers at risk for immunologic progression, and provide avenues for personalized therapeutic interventions and precision medicine for optimizing clinical care of these individuals.

Is mitotic rate still useful in the management of patients with thin melanoma?

BACKGROUND: T1 melanoma substaging was recently modified by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC). Although sentinel lymph node (SLN) positivity is the most important prognostic factor in melanoma, there is a lack of consensus on whether SLN biopsy should be performed in patients with thin melanoma (≤1 mm). OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to investigate predictors of SLN positivity in patients with thin melanoma, with a special emphasis on mitotic rate. A secondary aim was to evaluate survival in this group of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective multicenter observational study with analysis of age, sex, tumour location, thickness, mitotic rate, regression and microscopic satellites. Predictive factors were identified using a classification and regression tree (CART) approach. Melanoma-specific survival according to SLN status was estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: We analysed 203 patients with a melanoma ≤1 mm. Using the new AJCC staging criteria, the CART algorithm identified a 7.5% likelihood of SLN positivity in T1a patients. In the case of T1b melanoma, there was a 14.3% likelihood of SLN positivity in patients with a mitotic rate >1 mitosis/mm2 and a 3.2% likelihood in those with ≤1 mitoses/mm2 . None of the patients with T1b disease who had ≤1 mitoses/mm2 and regression had SLN positivity. In T1b patients, 5-year melanoma-specific survival was 98.7% in the SLN-negative group and 75% in the SLN-positive group (P = 0.05). When stratified by mitotic rate, survival was 100% for patients with a mitotic rate of ≤1 mitoses/mm2 and 91.4% for those with >1 mitosis/mm2 (P = 0.022). There were no deaths in the T1a subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: Sentinel lymph node metastasis was less common in patients with T1b melanoma who had a mitotic rate of ≤1 mitoses/mm2 . Performance of SLN biopsy should be carefully considered in this subgroup of patients, particularly considering the good prognosis.

Mapping of the circulating metabolome reveals α-ketoglutarate as a predictor of morbid obesity-associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Obesity severely affects human health, and the accompanying non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Rapid and non-invasive methods to detect this condition may substantially improve clinical care. METHODS: We used liquid and gas chromatography-quadruple time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC/GC-QTOF-MS) analysis in a non-targeted metabolomics approach on the plasma from morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery to gain a comprehensive measure of metabolite levels. On the basis of these findings, we developed a method (GC-QTOF-MS) for the accurate quantification of plasma α-ketoglutarate to explore its potential as a novel biomarker for the detection of NAFLD. RESULTS: Plasma biochemical differences were observed between patients with and without NAFLD indicating that the accumulation of lipids in hepatocytes decreased ß-oxidation energy production, reduced liver function and altered glucose metabolism. The results obtained from the plasma analysis suggest pathophysiological insights that link lipid and glucose disturbances with α-ketoglutarate. Plasma α-ketoglutarate levels are significantly increased in obese patients compared with lean controls. Among obese patients, the measurement of this metabolite differentiates between those with or without NAFLD. Data from the liver were consistent with data from plasma. Clinical utility was assessed, and the results revealed that plasma α-ketoglutarate is a fair-to-good biomarker in patients (n=230). Other common laboratory liver tests used in routine application did not favourably compare. CONCLUSION: Plasma α-ketoglutarate is superior to common liver function tests in obese patients as a surrogate biomarker of NAFLD. The measurement of this biomarker may potentiate the search for a therapeutic approach, may decrease the need for liver biopsy and may be useful in the assessment of disease progression.

Predictors of sentinel lymph node status in cutaneous melanoma: a classification and regression tree analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to identify predictors of sentinel lymph node (SN) metastasis in cutaneous melanoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of 818 patients in 2 tertiary-level hospitals. The primary outcome variable was SN involvement. Independent predictors were identified using multiple logistic regression and a classification and regression tree (CART) analysis. RESULTS: Ulceration, tumor thickness, and a high mitotic rate (≥6 mitoses/mm(2)) were independently associated with SN metastasis in the multiple regression analysis. The most important predictor in the CART analysis was Breslow thickness. Absence of an inflammatory infiltrate, patient age, and tumor location were predictive of SN metastasis in patients with tumors thicker than 2mm. In the case of thinner melanomas, the predictors were mitotic rate (>6 mitoses/mm(2)), presence of ulceration, and tumor thickness. Patient age, mitotic rate, and tumor thickness and location were predictive of survival. CONCLUSIONS: A high mitotic rate predicts a higher risk of SN involvement and worse survival. CART analysis improves the prediction of regional metastasis, resulting in better clinical management of melanoma patients. It may also help select suitable candidates for inclusion in clinical trials.

First Report of Fusarium equiseti Causing Damping-Off Disease on Aleppo Pine in Algeria.

The Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) is a conifer native to the Mediterranean region. In 2008 and 2009, a survey of Aleppo pine seedling diseases was performed in three forest nurseries from Relizane, Sidi Bel Abbes, and Tlemcen provinces in northwestern Algeria. Aleppo pine seedlings showed symptoms of pre- and post-emergence damping-off disease, with an incidence of 64 to 77%. Four composite samples were taken from each location. Disinfested root and root collar segments, approximately 5 mm in length, were cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 25°C, and hyphal tips were transferred to PDA. Fusarium equiseti (Corda) Sacc. (teleomorph: Gibberella intricans Wollenw.) was identified from roots of two seedlings from the Sidi Bel Abbes nursery. Morphological identification was done according to Fusarium keys (2). PDA colonies with abundant, loosely floccose, whitish aerial mycelium and beige pigmentation were observed. Macroconidia with usually 5 to 6 septa, 31 to 45 µm long. A pronounced dorsiventral curvature, tapered and elongated apical cell, and prominent foot shape were observed. Microconidia were absent. Chlamydospores were produced in hyphae, most often intercalary, solitary, in pairs, frequently forming chains or clusters, globose (7 to 13 µm). To confirm the identity of this fungus, the internal transcribed spacer of F3RS1 and F19RS1 isolates of F. equiseti were amplified and sequenced using ITS1 and ITS4 primers (4), GenBank accession nos. JX114784 and JX114791, respectively. Those sequences bore 100% (HQ671182) similarity with sequences of F. equiseti in GenBank. Pathogenicity tests were performed to fulfill Koch's postulates. Inoculum was produced by adding a 5-mm-diameter plug from a 7-day-old CMA petri dish culture to a previously sterilized 500 ml flask (237.5 g sand, 12.5 g cornmeal, 80 ml sterile distilled water), shaken over 9 days at 25°C, and mixed with sterile sandy clay soil at 1:3 (v:v). Infested soil was then transferred to 500 ml pots, and 10 Aleppo pine seeds were planted per pot. A completely randomized design was used with three replicates per isolate and three control pots with a similar non-infested soil. After 1 month at 25°C the two tested isolates caused typical damping-off symptoms (collar rot) on seedlings and were re-isolated from recently infected tissues. The percentages of the inoculated plants that became infected were 59 to 65% among isolates (0% in control pots). To our knowledge, infection by F. equiseti is a first report on Aleppo pine in northwestern Algeria, Northern Africa, and globally, and on conifers in the Mediterranean region (1,3). In Algeria, F. equiseti is associated with black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) (3). These findings highlight the moderate impact of F. equiseti on the production of Aleppo seedling stock for reforestation activities in northwestern Algeria. References: (1) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases, Systematic Mycology and Microbiology Laboratory. ARS, USDA, Beltsville, MD. Retrieved from http://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/ , February 20, 2013. (2) J. F. Leslie and B. A. Summerell. The Fusarium Laboratory Manual. Blackwell Publishing, Ames, IA, 2006. (3) D. W. Minter. Cybertruffle's Robigalia, Observations of Fungi and their Associated Organisms. Retrieved from http://www.cybertruffle.org.uk/robigalia/eng/ , February 20, 2013. (4) T. J. White et al. Page 315 in: PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. Academic Press, San Diego, 1990.

Determination of emission factors from a landfill through an inverse methodology: Experimental determination of ambient air concentrations and use of numerical modelling.

The application of numeric modelling for determining the impact of landfills needs for reliable emission source data. In this study, a methodology for the characterization of the emission profiles of the different sources present in landfills for emission factors determination, applying an indirect methodology, is presented. Ambient air concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and ammonia (NH3) were determined in three potentially emission sources in Can Mata landfill (Hostalets de Pierola, Catalonia, Spain): dumping areas, pre-closed zone and leachate reservoir as well as in biogas, for the determination of emission factors. Multi-sorbent bed and Tenax TA tubes were used for a wide range of VOCs sampling, and analysis was conducted through TD-GC/MS. H2S and NH3 were sampled and analysed using Radiello passive samplers. The highest total VOC (TVOC) concentrations were found in dumping areas (0.7-3.5 mg m-3), followed by leachate reservoir (0.3-0.6 mg m-3) and pre-closed area (77-165 µg m-3). On the other hand, the highest H2S and NH3 concentrations were found in leachate reservoir, presenting values of 0.8-1.1 mg m-3 and 1.7-1.8 mg m-3, respectively. With the application of odour thresholds to the concentrations obtained, the most critical compounds regarding odour annoyances were determined. The highest odour units (O.U.) were found in leachate reservoir due to H2S concentrations, whereas VOCs contributed mainly to O.U. in the dumping areas. The obtained ambient air concentrations were used for the indirect determination of the emission factors through numerical modelling using a Eulerian dispersion model. The emission factors obtained for the landfill for TVOC, H2S and NH3 were in the range of 0.44-10.9 g s-1, 0.16-1.02 g s-1 and 0.23-1.82 g s-1, respectively, depending on the emission source. Reliable emission factors are crucial to obtain landfill impact maps, which are essential for the correct management of these facilities.

Metformin: a cheap and well-tolerated drug that provides benefits for viral infections.

OBJECTIVES: Insulin resistance in viral infections is common. We have explored the effectiveness of metformin for alleviating insulin resistance in HIV-infected patients and assessed the relevance of the ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) rs11212617 variant in the clinical response with the rationale that metformin modulates cellular bioenergetics in an ATM-dependent process. METHODS: HIV-infected patients (n = 385) were compared with controls recruited from the general population (n = 300) with respect to the genotype distribution of the ATM rs11212617 variant and its influence on selected metabolic and inflammatory variables. We also followed up a subset of male patients with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection (n = 47) who were not receiving antiviral treatment and for whom metformin was prescribed for insulin resistance, which tends to have a higher incidence and severity in coinfected patients. RESULTS: Among the HIV-infected patients, human cytomegalovirus (91.9%) and HCV (62.3%) coinfections were frequent. Selected metabolic and/or inflammatory variables were significantly altered in infected patients. Treatment with metformin in HIV and HCV coinfected patients was well tolerated and significantly increased the sensitivity of peripheral tissues to insulin. The minor allele (C) of the rs11212617 variant was associated with treatment success and may affect the course of insulin resistance in response to metformin (odds ratio 1.21; 95% confidence interval 1.07-1.39; P = 0.005). There were no differences between treated and untreated patients in viral loads or variables measuring immune defence, indicating that toxicity is unlikely. CONCLUSIONS: We provide novel data suggesting that identification of the ATM rs11212617 variant may be important in assessing the glycaemic response to metformin treatment for insulin resistance in HIV-infected patients.

First Report of Fusarium chlamydosporum Causing Damping-Off Disease on Aleppo Pine in Algeria.

The Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) is a conifer native to the Mediterranean region. In 2008 and 2009, a survey of Aleppo pine seedling diseases was performed in three forest nurseries from the Relizane, Sidi Bel Abbes, and Tlemcen departments in northwestern Algeria. One- to two-month-old Aleppo pine seedlings showed symptoms of damping-off in pre- and post-emergence (typical seedling collar rot). The problem was widespread with a disease incidence of 64 to 77% and an annual impact of US$50,000. Disinfested root and root collar segments (from four composite samples per location), approximately 5 mm in length, were cultured on PDA and incubated at 25°C and day/night light. Two (from 21) isolates were identified morphologically (2) as the anamorph Fusarium chlamydosporum Wollenw. & Reinking and isolated from collar rots of Relizane forest nursery seedlings. Colony development on PDA media was fast; 32 mm diameter colonies developed after 3 days. Colonies were white. Mycelia were floccose, fairly dense, off-white, and turned a lilac color in older portions of the colony. Macroconidia were thick-walled and moderately curved with unequal dorsiventral curvature (the lower wall is almost straight), short, curved and pointed apical cell, usually notched, but occasionally foot shaped basal cell, 3- to 5-septate, and 2 × 8 to 21 µm. Microconidia were abundant, 0-septate, and 2 × 6 to 9 µm. Chlamydospores were abundant, formed rapidly in single chains or clusters, and 8 to 15 µm diameter. To confirm the identity of this fungus, the internal transcribed spacer of F12RR and F4SR isolates of F. chlamydosporum were amplified and sequenced using ITS1 and ITS4 primers (4). Sequences were deposited in GenBank under accessions JX114795 and JX114789, respectively. Those sequences bore 99% similarity with reference sequence AY213655 (2) and 100% with HQ671187, also found 99 to 100% similarity with F. equiseti (Corda) Sacc. but with different conidia. Pathogenicity tests were performed to fulfill Koch's postulates. Inoculum was produced by adding a 5 mm diam. plug from a 7-day-old CMA petri dish culture to a previously sterilized 500 ml flask (237.5 g sand, 12.5 g cornmeal, 80 ml SDW), shaken over 9 days, and mixed with sterile soil at 1:3 (v:v). Infested soil was then transferred to 500 ml pots, and 10 seeds were planted. A completely randomized design was used with three replicates per isolate and three control pots. After 1 month, two tested isolates caused typical damping-off symptoms on seedlings. The percentage of the plants that became infected was 65 to 77%. To our knowledge (1,3), this is the first report of F. chlamydosporum on Aleppo pine in northwestern Algeria. It is also the first report of this fungal species affecting the Aleppo pine throughout the world, and on conifers in Africa and the Mediterranean region (1,3). References: (1) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases, Syst. Mycol. Microbiol. Lab. ARS, USDA, Beltsville, MD. Retrieved from http://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/ , February 20, 2013. (2) J. F. Leslie and B. A. Summerell. The Fusarium Laboratory Manual. Blackwell Publishing, Ames, IA, 2006. (3) D. W. Minter. Cybertruffle's Robigalia, Observations of Fungi and their Associated Organisms. Retrieved from http://www.cybertruffle.org.uk/robigalia/eng/ , February 20, 2013. (4) T. J. White et al. Page 315 in: PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. Academic Press, San Diego, 1990.

First Report of Fusarium acuminatum Causing Damping-Off Disease on Aleppo Pine in Algeria.

The Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) is a conifer native to the Mediterranean region. In autumn and spring of 2008 to 2009, a survey of Aleppo pine seedling diseases was carried out in three forest nurseries from the Relizane, Sidi Bel Abbes, and Tlemcen departments in northwestern Algeria. Aleppo pine seedlings were potted from the soil. In all three nurseries, 1- to 2-month old seedlings showed symptoms of damping-off disease in pre- and post-emergence (collar rot) with a disease incidence of 64, 77, and 72%, respectively. Disinfected collar segments, about 5 mm in length, were plated on PDA and petri dishes incubated at 25°C. A Fusarium sp. was consistently isolated from tissues and all isolates were morphologically identified as Fusarium acuminatum Ellis & Everh. (teleomorph: Gibberella acuminata Wollenw.) according to Fusarium keys (2). Colony growth was 43 mm after 3 days on PDA; the aerial mycelium was white, developing a brownish tinge in the center on PDA; macroconidia were formed in orange sporodochia, broadly falcate, strongly septate, 3 to 5 septa, the apical cell with an incurved elongation, distinct foot shape, 3 to 4 × 20 to 50 µm; microconidia were usually absent for isolates other than F12SS1, reniform, septate, 5 to 6 × 6 to 10 µm, in monophialides; chlamydospores were formed in chains, 6 to 13 µm. For the molecular identification, ITS regions of Fusarium isolates were amplified with the primers ITS1 and ITS4, and products were directly sequenced in both strands using the same primers ITS 1 and ITS4. Sequences were compared to known sequences deposited in the NCBI non redundant database to confirm morphological identification. An NCBI BLAST search identified isolates F12SS1, F14SS3, F30SS3, and F25SR as F. acuminatum based on 100% similarity with corresponding sequences. GenBank Accession Nos. were JX114788, JX114785, JX114782, and JX114790, respectively. Pathogenicity tests were performed to fulfill Koch's postulates. Inocula were produced by adding a 5-mm diameter plug from a 7-day-old CMA petri dish culture to a previously sterilized 500-ml flask (237.5 g sand, 12.5 g cornmeal, 80 ml SDW), shaken over 9 days, and mixed with sterile soil at 1:3 (v:v). The inocula were transferred to a 500-ml pot, and 10 Aleppo pine seeds were planted with three replicates. After 1 month, all tested isolates caused typical symptoms on seedlings and the proportion of infected seedlings per each isolate was 50, 53.33, 56.66, 60, and 63.33%, respectively. There are many reports of F. acuminatum associated to conifer seedlings in nurseries (1,3) and most of them are conflicting because in some reports this species is considered non-pathogenic or only a seed contaminant and others consider it as a pathogen. To our knowledge, F. acuminatum is a first report on the Aleppo pine in northwestern Algeria, northern Africa. It is also the first report of this fungal species affecting the Aleppo pine throughout the world, and on conifers in Africa and the Mediterranean region. References: (1) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases, Systematic Mycology and Microbiology Laboratory. ARS, USDA., Bestville, Maryland, USA. Retrieved from http://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/ , June 18, 2012. (2) J. F. Leslie and B. A. Summerell. The Fusarium Laboratory Manual. Blackwell Publishing, Ames, Iowa, USA, 2006. (3) D. W. Minter. Cybertruffle's Robigalia, Observations of Fungi and their Associated Organisms. Retrieved from http://www.cybertruffle.org.uk/robigalia/eng/ , June 18, 2012.

First Report of Globisporangium ultimum Causing Pythium Damping-Off on Aleppo Pine in Algeria, Africa, and the Mediterranean Region.

Globisporangium ultimum (Trow) Uzuhashi, Tojo & Kakish. (syn. Pythium ultimum Trow, syn. P. ultimum Trow var. ultimum) is a known oomycetal species from Pythium s.l. causing damping-off and/or root rot on a great variety of plants throughout the world, including some pine species (Pinus L.) and conifers (2,3). Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) is a common native forest tree in the Mediterranean region. Pre- and post-emergence damping-off disease symptoms were observed during 2008 and 2009 in four forest nurseries from northwestern Algeria (Relizane, Sidi Belabes, and Tlemcen departments). This disease occurred under cool conditions, and Aleppo pines were significantly affected, reducing seedling emergence. Disinfected segments, about 5 mm in length, from decayed root and collar, were cultured on CMA at 25°C. This oomycetal species was identified based on the species description in Pythium keys (3,4). For the molecular identification, PCR was used to amplify the ITS region of Pythium isolates. It was amplified with the flanking primers ITS1 and ITS4, and these products were directly sequenced. Sequence data were compared to known sequences deposited in the NCBI non redundant database to confirm morphological identification. A BLAST search identified U3CR, U7CR, U1RT, U2CR, U4CR, U14CR, U7RT, and U17RT isolates (GenBank Accession Nos. JX191921, 22, 27, 29, 31, and 33 to 35, respectively) as G. ultimum based on 100% similarity with corresponding sequence of the reference isolate no. UZ056 MAFF240024 (AB468781) (3). Phytopathogenicity testing was conducted in a petri dish and pot experiment. In the petri dish experiment, a 3 mm diameter plug was transferred from a 7-day-old CMA colony to the center of a CMA petri dish, with three replicates per isolate, and three control plates were inoculated with sterile agar plugs. After 72 h, 10 Aleppo pine seeds were placed equally spaced to 1 cm from the edge of each plug. After 7 days at 22°C in the dark, germination inhibition (46.1 to 87.6%) and root growth inhibition (62.3 to 92.2%) were calculated. In the control plates, germination failure (13.4%) and root length (27.7 cm) were observed. For the pot experiment, inocula were produced by adding a 5 mm diameter plug from a 7-day-old CMA culture to a previously sterilized 500 ml flask containing 237.5 g sand, 12.5 g cornmeal, and 80 ml SDW. Nine-day-old inoculum was mixed with sterile soil at a rate of 1:3 (v:v). Inoculum was transferred to 500 ml pot, and 10 Aleppo pine seeds were planted, with three replicates per isolate, and three control pots were used. After 2 weeks, all of the isolates tested caused typical symptoms of Aleppo pine Pythium damping-off, the percentage of inoculated plants that became infected was 36.6 to 83.3%. In the control pots, no infected plants were observed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of G. ultimum causing damping-off on Aleppo pine in Algeria, Africa, and the Mediterranean Region. Before, Aleppo pine damping-off caused by G. ultimum was reported in Australia (1). References: (1) R. P. Cook and A. J. Dubé. Host-pathogen index of plant diseases in South Australia. SADA, Melbourne, Australia, 1989. (2) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases, Systematic Mycology and Microbiology Laboratory. ARS, USDA, Bestville, MD. Retrieved from http://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/ , June 24, 2012. (3) S. Uzuhashi et al. Mycoscience 51:337, 2010. (4) A. J. van der Plaats-Niterink. Stud. Mycol. 21:1, 1981.

First Report of Fusarium redolens as a Causal Agent of Aleppo Pine Damping-Off in Algeria.

Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) is a common native coniferous tree in the natural forests of the Mediterranean region. In 2008 and 2009, a survey of Aleppo pine seedling diseases was performed in three forest nurseries from Relizane, Sidi Bel Abbes, and Tlemcen departments in northwestern Algeria. Aleppo pine seedlings showed symptoms of pre- and post-emergence damping-off, resulting in severe crop losses. The problem was widespread with a disease incidence of 64 to 77%. Fusarium redolens Wollenw. was isolated from Relizane and Sidi Bel Abbes forest nurseries. Disinfested root and root collar segments, approximately 5 mm in length, were cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 25°C. Morphological identification was done according to Fusarium keys (2). PDA colonies consisted of flat mycelium with sparse white aerial hyphae. Macroconidia with three to five septa, 24 to 43.8 µm long, widest upper third, hooked apical cell, and foot shaped basal cell were observed. Microconidia with zero to one septa, 6.8 to 10.4 µm long, oval to cylindrical, and produced on monophialides were also observed. Chlamydospores were produced abundantly in terminal and intercalary chains, in 3- to 4-week-old cultures. To confirm the identity of the fungus, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of F5RS3, F91SR, F55RS1, F8RS3, and F09SS1 isolates of F. redolens were amplified and sequenced using ITS 1 and ITS 4 primers (3). GenBank Accession Nos. are JX051323 to 26, and JX114783, respectively. Those sequences bore 99% (JF311916) and 100% (U34565) similarity with sequences of F. redolens in GenBank. A Fusarium pathogenicity assay was used to complete Koch's postulates. Inoculum was produced by adding a 5 mm diam. agar disc from a 7-day-old CMA petri dish culture to a previously sterilized 500 ml flask (237.5 g of sand, 12.5 g of cornmeal, and 80 ml of deionized H2O). Isolates were allowed to colonize the medium for 9 days, and flasks were shaken every day. The inoculum was mixed with sterile soil at a rate of 3:1 (v:v). Infested soil was then transferred to 500 ml pots, and 10 Aleppo pine seeds were planted. A completely randomized design was used with three replicates. After 1 month, all tested isolates caused typical damping-off symptoms on seedlings. The percentage of the inoculated plants that became infected was 53 to 91%. To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. redolens being pathogenic on Aleppo pine in northwestern Algeria and throughout the world. In Algeria, F. redolens has been reported on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) (1), suggesting that it is adapted to the conditions of this area and could become a major threat to regional plant production. The annual economic impact of this disease was estimated at approximately US$50,000 per forest nursery. References: (1) N. Hamini-Kadar et al. New Dis. Rep. 22:3, 2010. (2) J. F. Leslie and B. A. Summerell. The Fusarium Laboratory Manual. Blackwell Publishing, Ames, Iowa, 2006. (3) T. J. White et al. Pages 315-322 in: PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. Academic Press, San Diego, 1990.

Evaluation of the effect of different sampling time periods and ambient air pollutant concentrations on the performance of the Radiello diffusive sampler for the analysis of VOCs by TD-GC/MS.

The effect of different sampling exposure times and ambient air pollutant concentrations on the performance of Radiello® samplers for analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is evaluated. Quadruplicate samples of Radiello® passive tubes were taken for 3, 4, 7 and 14 days. Samples were taken indoors during February and March 2010 and outdoors during July 2010 in La Canonja (Tarragona, Spain). The analysis was performed by automatic thermal desorption (ATD) coupled with capillary gas chromatography (GC)/mass spectrometry detection (MS). The results show significant differences (t-test, p < 0.05) between the amounts of VOCs obtained from the sum of two short sampling periods and a single equivalent longer sampling period for 65% of all the data. 17% of the results show significantly larger amounts of pollutant in the sum of two short sampling periods. Back diffusion due to changes in concentrations together with saturation and competitive effects between the compounds during longer sampling periods could be responsible for these differences. The other 48% of the results that are different show significantly larger amounts in the single equivalent longer sampling period. The remaining 35% of the results do not show significant differences. Although significant differences are observed in the amount of several VOCs collected over two shorter sampling intervals compared to the amount collected during a single equivalent longer sampling period, the ratios obtained are very close to unity (between 0.7 and 1.2 in 75% of cases). We conclude that Radiello® passive samplers are useful tools if their limitations are taken into account and the manufacturer's recommendations are followed.

Use of CT-scan in pediatric patients with thoraco-abdominal trauma: experience at a latin-american trauma facility. / Uso de la TAC en pacientes pediátricos con trauma toraco-abdominal: experiencia de un centro de trauma latinoamericano.

INTRODUCTION: CT-scan is the method of choice for major trauma assessment. However, it significantly increases radiation exposure in the pediatric population. The objective of this study was to analyze differences in clinical outcomes according to the preoperative use of CT-scan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study of pediatric patients admitted for trauma and requiring surgery was carried out. Patients were classified according to the previous use of CT-scan. ICU stay, re-admissions, and deaths were assessed. RESULTS: From 2011 to 2017, 737 patients under 18 years of age with external lesions were treated, 174 of whom required surgery. 48 patients (27.6%) underwent CT-scan prior to the procedure (Group 1), while the remaining 126 patients (72.4%) were directly scheduled for surgery (Group 2). Penetrating trauma occurred in 81% of patients, the proportion being significantly higher in Group 2 (p= 0.001). Median age was 15 years (interquartile range: 12-17), with no differences between groups. No significant differences were found in terms of hemodynamic instability at admission between groups (p= 0.596). At surgery, 3 out of 48 patients (6.3%) had no evident lesion. No significant differences were found in terms of re-admissions (p= 0.476), mortality (0.994), and ICU stay (0.466). CONCLUSION: The use of CT-scan as a diagnostic tool in pediatric trauma does not reduce mortality, ICU stay, or number of re-admissions. The use of tools such as ultrasound examination and simple X-ray should be protocolized to avoid unnecessary exposure to higher radiation doses. Prospective studies confirming this hypothesis are required.

INTRODUCCION: La tomografía axial computarizada (TAC) es el método de elección en la evaluación del trauma mayor, sin embargo, aumenta significativamente la exposición a radiación en la población pediátrica. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar diferencias en los desenlaces clínicos de acuerdo con el uso preoperatorio de la TAC. METODOS: Estudio observacional retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes pediátricos ingresados por trauma que necesitaron manejo quirúrgico, y se clasificaron de acuerdo con el uso previo de TAC. Se evaluó tiempo en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI), readmisiones, y muerte. RESULTADOS: Durante 2011 a 2017, 737 pacientes menores de 18 años consultaron por lesiones de causa externa, 174 requirieron intervención quirúrgica. A 48 (27,6%) se les realizó TAC previo al manejo quirúrgico (Grupo 1); los restantes 126 pacientes (72,4%) fueron llevados directamente a cirugía (Grupo 2). El trauma penetrante se presentó en un 81% de los pacientes, siendo significativamente mayor en el grupo 2 (p= 0,001). La mediana de edad fue 15 años (rango intercuartílico 12-17) sin diferencia entre los grupos. No hubo diferencias significativas en inestabilidad hemodinámica al ingreso entre los grupos (p= 0,596). Al momento de la cirugía, tres de 48 pacientes (6,3%) no presentaron ninguna lesión evidente. No hubo diferencias significativas en las readmisiones (p= 0,476), la mortalidad (0.994) y estancia en UCI (0,466). CONCLUSION: El uso de TAC como herramienta diagnóstica en trauma pediátrico no disminuye la mortalidad, días de estancia en UCI, ni el número de readmisiones. Debe protocolizarse el uso de herramientas como la ecografía y radiografía simple para evitar exposición innecesaria a dosis más altas de radiación. Se requieren estudios prospectivos que confirmen esta hipótesis.

Antennapedia homeobox peptide enhances growth and branching of embryonic chicken motoneurons in vitro.

Spinal motoneuron development is regulated by a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Among these, a possible role for homeoproteins is suggested by their expression in the motoneuron at relatively late stages. To investigate their possible involvement in motoneuron growth, we adapted a novel technique recently developed in this laboratory, based on the ability of the 60 amino acid-long homeobox of Antennapedia (pAntp) to translocate through the neuronal membrane and to accumulate in the nucleus (Joliot, A. H., C. Pernelle, H. Deagostini-Bazin, and A. Prochiantz. 1991. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 88:1864-1868; Joliot, A. H., A. Triller, M. Volovitch, C. Pernelle, and A. Prochiantz. 1991. New Biol. 3:1121-1134). Motoneurons from E5 chicken spinal cord were incubated with pAntp, purified by panning on SC1 antibody and plated on polyornithine/laminin substrata without further addition of pAntp. After 24 h, neurite outgrowth was already extensive in controls. In cultures of motoneurons that had been preincubated with 10(-7) M pAntp, neurite length was doubled; a similar effect was obtained using postnatal muscle extracts. Morphological analysis using a neurofilament marker specific for axons indicated that the homeobox peptide enhances primarily axonal elongation and branching. To test the hypothesis that the biological activity of pAntp involves its specific attachment to cognate homeobox binding sites present in the genome, we generated a mutant of pAntp called pAntp40P2, that was still able to translocate through the motoneuron membrane and to reach the nucleus, but had lost the specific DNA-binding properties of the wild-type peptide. Preincubation of pAntp40P2 with purified motoneurons failed to increase neurite outgrowth. This finding raises the possibility that motoneuron growth is controlled by homeobox proteins.

Amicrobial pustulosis of the folds associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Neutrophilic dermatoses comprise a wide spectrum of diseases characterized histologically by the presence of an aseptic neutrophilic infiltrate in the skin. The neutrophilic infiltrate may move from the epidermis to the dermis and the subcutis, resulting in distinct clinicopathological conditions. There have been a few reports on a peculiar pustular dermatosis involving the cutaneous flexures and arising in patients with autoimmune diseases or immunological abnormalities. We report a patient who developed amicrobial pustulosis of the folds soon after she was diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). To our knowledge, the association of APF with HT is a novel finding that has not previously been described. We believe that this combination is not just coincidental, but may share similar immunopathological mechanisms.

Women's Ecofeminist Spirituality: Origins and Applications to Psychotherapy.

The aim of this paper is to theoretically explore the origins and possible psychotherapeutic applications of some neo-pagan, neo-shamanic, or psycho-spiritual women's movements that are currently spreading in Western countries. In spite of their great diversity, they are all encompassed within the term "ecofeminist spirituality." This article analyzes their ideological, historical, and cultural origins, placing special emphasis on their psychotherapeutic role and describing the main tools and fields of application.

Motor alterations are reduced in mice lacking the PARK2 gene in the presence of a human FTDP-17 mutant form of four-repeat tau.

Independent deletion of the PARK2 gene and hTauVLW over-expression in mice produce mild alterations in the brain. However, the presence of both mutations in a parkin-deficient and hTauVLW double mutant mouse causes a tau neuropathology, reactive astrocytosis, and neuronal loss in the cortex and hippocampus, as well as lesions in nigrostriatal and motor neurons. Moreover, these mutants display some memory and exploratory defects that reflect a functional link between parkin and tau proteins. We have tested the motor activity and coordination of these double mutant mice to determine the effects of parkin deletion in mice over-expressing the hTauVLW transgene. While the loss of parkin alone produces increased exploration and alterations in gait and motor coordination, in hTauVLW transgenic mice the absence of parkin causes less prominent motor impairments. These effects suggest the existence of some compensatory mechanisms that are activated when the hTauVLW transgene is over-expressed in the absence of parkin. This mouse model will hopefully help to study the causes of the motor deficits associated with certain neuropathologies related to the tau and parkin proteins, and to find appropriate treatments.

VOCs and PAHs emissions from creosote-treated wood in a field storage area.

In this study, the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs, in this case aromatic hydrocarbons containing one benzene ring and furans) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from wood recently treated with creosote are examined. The VOCs and PAHs were identified and quantified in the gas phase. Additionally, the PAHs were quantified in the particulate phase. Glass multi-sorbent tubes (Carbotrap, Carbopack X, Carboxen-569) were used to hold the VOCs. The analysis was performed using automatic thermal desorption (ATD) coupled with capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). PAHs vapours were collected on XAD-2 resin, and particulate matter was collected on glass fibre filters. The PAHs were analysed using GC/MS. The main components of the vapours released from the creosote-treated wood were naphthalene, toluene, m+p-xylene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, isopropylbenzene, benzene and 2-methylnaphthalene. VOCs emission concentrations ranged from 35 mg m(-3) of air on the day of treatment to 5 mg m(-3) eight days later. PAHs emission concentrations ranged from 28 microg m(-3) of air on the day of treatment to 4 microg m(-3) eight days later. The air concentrations of PAHs in particulate matter were composed predominantly of benzo[b+j]fluoranthene, benzo[a]anthracene, chrysene, fluoranthene, benzo[e]pyrene and 1-methylnaphthalene. The emission concentrations of particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons varied between 0.2 and 43.5 ng m(-3). Finally, the emission factors of VOCs and PAHs were determined.